Benjamin Joseph Parah

Benjamin J. Parah, 79, of Thornton, Colorado, went to his heavenly home on Monday, March 28, 2022. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, a respected businessman, and a devout Christian. He was surrounded by his children who will continue to honor his legacy.

Born in Wyoming, 1943, Ben grew up and matured very fast as the youngest of all his siblings. After graduating from high school, he worked in the oil and automotive industries and became one of the best in these trades.

Ben had a passion for many things, his faith, his family, and his hobbies. He met Stephana in 1962 and immediately knew he would make her his wife. They married in Wyoming and later settled in Colorado. Ben and Stephana were married 47 years. One of Ben's biggest accomplishments was being a father. He considered himself blessed to have eight children who called him their hero, and even as adults, still saw him this way. Ben always made time for his family in everything he did and led by example. As a mentor, he taught his family the ways of the Lord, he enjoyed sharing his wisdom and encouraged them to enjoy every moment life has to offer. Ben knew deep down that he could change the trajectory of an entire family, and it was his true love and partnership with Stephana and his faith in Jesus Christ that was the catalyst to this change. He learned to work, love and live with no regrets.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Ben. He had an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily activities that included various hobbies such as pen turning using a lathe. This venture was a great entry point into using his skill set and love for woodworking. Through advanced techniques, he later discovered the fun process of rock tumbling that turned rough rocks into polished gems. This exciting experience fostered Ben’s love for science, genealogy and mineralogy in a fun and exciting way. His talents did not stop there. Ben absolutely loved music and his love for music was evident early on when he played the bass in a band he started with his cousins. That music opportunity paved the way in his appreciation for music and musical talent to later be used as a worship team member for his church.

Ben had a unique ability to be fully engaged in the moment through his charming personality. His smile showed the love he had for someone, and his hearty laugh was warm hearted, sincere and full of joy. Ben rooted himself in a moral foundation and that moral compass was quite evident through him, a man of honor and integrity.

Ben is survived by his children Mary Rutherford, Irene Register, Rinnah Parah, Paula (Thomas) Richardson, Judith (Mark) Garrett, Rebecca Parah (Jason Abitia), Samuel (Monica) Parah and many, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Stephana Parah and son, Nehemiah (Renee) Parah and granddaughter, Rebekah Richardson.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, April 30th 5:00PM at Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland in Thornton, Colorado. Reception following from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Parah family.